Despite the recent buzz and the cancellation of the highly anticipated UFC 303 press conference in Dublin, Ireland, the fight between Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler remains a scheduled event. It is still set to take place at UFC 303 on June 29, promising a thrilling showdown.
Yet, the plot thickens as ESPN has now removed all the UFC 303 ads from their official website and cable TV program. This leaves fight fans in a state of suspense, pondering over the possible reasons behind this move.
McGregor’s Cause For Concern
The first worrying revelation over the past few days, regarding this fight between McGregor and Chandler, was easily the cancellation of the highly anticipated Dublin press conference. This would have been a huge opportunity for the two to amp up the promotion of the fight, with the presser being held in Conor McGregor’s place of origin.
The UFC’s decision to pull such a great event as a Conor McGregor Dublin press conference shows that there is some obstacle preventing the proceeding of this event and the promotion of the fight.
The UFC’s official ‘X’ account posted a statement regarding the cancellation of the press conference.
Dear UFC Fans–
— UFC (@ufc) June 3, 2024
The #UFC303 press conference scheduled for Monday June 3rd in Dublin, Ireland at 3Arena has been postponed until further notice. We sincerely apologize to all the fans who were planning to attend. When we have further information on a new date and time, we will… pic.twitter.com/nIXRIZl5pv
McGregor also took it upon himself to state the cancellation of the press conference, noting, “today’s press conference was cancelled due to a series of obstacles outside of our control.”
In consultation with the UFC, todays press conference was cancelled due to a series of obstacles outside of our control. I apologize to my Irish fans, and fans around the world, for the inconvenience and appreciate all your passion and support. I can’t wait to put on the greatest…
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) June 3, 2024
Worrying Social Media Posts
There had been some rumors circulating regarding McGregor having potentially suffered a minor injury during his camp, resulting in all the recent cancellations and news from the company. These rumors started after ESPN Deportes’ Carlos Contreras Legaspi was seen commenting on a YouTube video, where he was misinterpreted as stating, “Conor McGregor has an injury.”
Legaspi has since dispelled these rumors and provided clarification about his comments, stating, “I was talking about possible scenarios; I have no source saying that.”
Amidst these intriguing statements, Chandler has taken to social media where he alluded to leaving his current training camp at ‘Kill Kliff FC’ based in South Florida and heading back home to Nashville, Tennessee. This unexpected move has sparked curiosity amongst fans.
Breaking: ‼️ Michael Chandler leaves training camp in South Florida and goes home to Nashville Tennessee amid Conor McGregor injury news and fight cancellation.
— MMA UNCENSORED (@MMAUNCENSORED1) June 5, 2024
Per Chandlers IG#UFC303 #UFC #MMA pic.twitter.com/JmRQ9u8P0L
This is a big deal. It is incredibly unusual for a fighter as experienced as Chandler to decide to pack up and leave for home, during the middle of a training camp, for what is easily the biggest fight of his career.
TUF 31: McGregor vs. Chandler
There has been a long build-up for this huge fight. It consists of a filmed and released season of the UFC’s reality TV show, The Ultimate Fighter, in which the two served as coaches for ex-UFC fighters and prospects looking to make it in the promotion.
The show debuted on May 30, featuring the two superstar fighters going head-to-head numerous times throughout the filming of the series. At some points, the two even became physical, with McGregor shoving Chandler. The two were exchanging words after Team Chandler’s Kurt Holobaugh had scored a submission victory over one of McGregor’s personal teammates, Lee Hammond from ‘SBG Ireland’.
Overall, it was a somewhat dominant season for Team Chandler. As time went on, McGregor’s frustration began to show in his demeanor and attitude toward Chandler and his team.
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